During Advent, Living Lutheran will offer a weekly prayer, Scripture and accompanying activity. Each week’s Advent activity can be completed with a group or as a solo project. Use it to create a space for reflection, community and celebration as you anticipate the joy of Christmas.
Prayer (from ELCA Prayer Ventures):
Pray that we will exercise hospitality and generosity by inviting others to be part of our Advent traditions, worship, meals and celebrations.
Scripture:
“In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
“‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.”’
“Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins.
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance, and do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor,” for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
“‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I, and I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’”
— Matthew 3:1-12
Activity: Basket of Kindness
Materials needed:
A basket or bowl
Paper or card stock
Scissors
Markers or pens
Instructions:
- Cut out fruit shapes. Use paper or card stock to create shapes such as apples, pears, grapes or oranges. Make enough for each remaining day of the Advent season.
- Write actions on every fruit. On every fruit shape, write a simple, humble action that “bears good fruit” in daily life. Examples:
- Call someone who is lonely.
- Donate to a food pantry.
- Pray for peace.
- Bring a neighbor a small gift.
- Write an encouraging note to a friend or family member.
- Fill the basket. Place all the paper fruits in a basket or bowl.
- Choose one daily. Each day for the remainder of Advent, pick one fruit and do the action written on it.
Reflection:
Discuss these questions in your small group or journal about them solo.
- How can inviting others into our traditions and celebrations deepen our understanding of the season?
- Consider some of the “good fruit” actions you wrote down. Discuss or journal about how these small acts of kindness can transform community.
- In what ways have others borne “good fruit” in your life? Reflect upon what they did and how it impacted you.
As we continue to celebrate Advent together, submit photos from your experience, and take inspiration from other Living Lutheran activities and seasonal content. We may repost submitted content to LivingLutheran.org or social media.
